Book description
Roger McGough is one of Britain's best-loved poets, and something of
a national institution. His name is ubiquitous with matter-of-fact
Scouse humour, easy-going charm, and perfect observations of the
idiosyncrasies of everyday life, whether you know him from his poetry,
or from his regular broadcasts on television or radio.
Roger first rose to prominence in the 1960s as a member of the pop
group The Scaffold, who had two number one hits - Thank U Very
Much and Lily The Pink. He began his poetry career
performing with The Grimms, alongside fellow Liverpool poets Adrian
Henri and Brian Patten, with whom he went on to publish The Mersey
Sound, which remains the biggest-selling British poetry book ever.
This is his autobiography - and like the best of his poetry it is
packed full of hilarious observations, unbelievable stories, nostalgic
reminiscences and bittersweet tales of love, life and loss. From his
memories of growing up in Liverpool, playing in bombed out houses as a
young boy, to the skiffle-crazed days of his adolescence, through to
his time at university - and his meetings there with Larkin. He
explores his sudden, almost overnight fame and success with Mike
McCartney et all in The Scaffold, as well as his time working with
George Martin, and co-writing the Yellow Submarine film script for the
Beatles, through his international touring days, to the present.
He certainly has many a story to tell about meeting some fascinating
characters: Bob Dylan, John Lennon, Marlon Brando, Alan Ginsberg, Pete
McCarthy and Salman Rushdie all appear amongst others, but it's his
sheer story-telling nous, and his gift for observing the minutia of
everyday life, and to completely capture a moment in time which sets
this apart from other books.
His life story is one that will be universally identifiable to those
who grew up with him - who embraced the verve and irreverence of the
sixties, only to end up as slightly embittered romantic cynics. This
is done here in the most funny, poignant, bittersweet, and melancholic
autobiography you will read this year - a man whose hugely popular
take on it all resonates with honesty and humour.
Roger McGough has written over fifty books for both adults and
children. Much travelled and translated, he has won many awards
including the freedom of the city of Liverpool and the CBE. He currently
presents Poetry Please on Radio 4.
